Bicester

Shopping is king here, and there's no point pretending otherwise. Bicester Village dominates this Oxfordshire market town like a retail colossus, drawing coachloads from London and beyond to hunt designer bargains in its sprawling outlet village. But strip away the car parks and crowds, and you'll find a proper old market town with Saxon roots and decent bones.

The historic centre feels refreshingly ordinary after the designer mayhem nearby. Market Square still hosts its weekly market on Fridays, though it's quieter these days than it once was. St Edburg's Church stands as a reminder that people have been living here for over a thousand years, long before anyone dreamed of discounted Prada.

What makes Bicester work as a base is its brilliant transport links. You're 20 minutes from Oxford by train, an hour from London Marylebone. The M40 practically runs through the town centre, making day trips to the Cotswolds or Warwickshire dead easy.

Countryside lovers shouldn't write off the area entirely. Evenley Wood Garden offers lovely woodland walks just outside town, while St. James Lake Island provides a peaceful spot for birdwatching when the retail therapy gets too much. Jump Inc trampoline park keeps the kids happy on rainy days.

Staying at one of the touring parks like Glebe Leisure or Greenhill Leisure Park puts you within striking distance of both the shopping and Oxford's dreaming spires. It's not the prettiest corner of Oxfordshire, granted, but the convenience factor is hard to beat. Plus, you'll sleep better knowing you're not paying Oxford hotel prices.